Despite the fact that it was beloved, the Honda Factor wasn’t precisely a giant hit for the Japanese automaker. Its quirky design restricted its attraction, however like most automotive oddballs, it has gained a cult following because it disappeared from the market 15 years in the past—and it is likely to be making a comeback.
A new report alleges that Honda plans to resurrect the Factor by the top of the last decade. Manufacturing is anticipated to begin within the second quarter of 2029, which suggests the mannequin will doubtless go on sale for the 2030 mannequin 12 months. It should allegedly compete in opposition to the Ford Bronco Sport and different rugged compact crossovers. How rugged the brand new Factor can be stays a thriller, and particulars are scarce.
The unique Factor had a pillarless design with rear-hinged suicide doorways, making a cavernous opening. It grew to become in style amongst homeowners for its versatility. It additionally had rubberized flooring, a cut up tailgate, and reclining seats that would fold utterly flat to create a sleeping space.
Till Honda confirms it’s truly creating a brand new Factor, that is every little thing that we all know.
What Will Honda Name It?
New Honda Factor Rendering By Motor1
Photograph by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1
Honda is anticipated to name its new compact SUV the Factor. It’s a identify Honda beforehand used within the 2000s, when it launched the first-generation Factor SUV in 2003. The automaker would stop producing the Factor after the 2011 mannequin 12 months as a result of declining gross sales.
Regardless of its quiet finish, the automotive stays in style with lovers. As shoppers proceed to flock to SUVs and vans and their most rugged variations, now looks like the correct time for a brand new Factor designed for journey seekers.
What Will It Look Like?
New Honda Factor Rendering By Motor1
Photograph by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1
The primary Honda Factor was not the prettiest factor to take a look at when it went on sale for 2003. The automotive had an extreme quantity of grey plastic cladding that served because the fenders, aspect sills, entrance fascia, and tailgate trim. Honda ultimately dropped plenty of the cladding with its mid-cycle refresh.
Our rendering takes inspiration from the Factor’s later years, with cladding relegated to the decrease doorways and bumpers. It’s closely influenced by the Honda Passport, a automobile that has benefited from a latest redesign that has made it boxier and extra rugged-looking.
We are able to’t think about a brand new Factor with out its rear-hinged doorways, and we hope it has a pillarless design as soon as once more. On the again, our Factor has a tall tailgate with a low opening, embracing an concept of versatility.
What Platform Will It Journey On?
With Honda pouring assets into new hybrid autos and platforms, it’s troublesome to find out what structure will underpin the brand new Factor. Contemplating the unique Factor’s pillarless design, sharing a platform with the CR-V appears unlikely and limiting.
There’s a likelihood the Factor may use the Passport’s platform, which underpins the Ridgeline and Odyssey, however it is likely to be too giant. The brand new SUV may additionally journey a very new hybrid structure.
What Powertrain Will It Have?
The unique Honda Factor went on sale for 2003 with Honda’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder K24A4 engine. It made 160 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque and was accessible in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Honda provided it with both a four-speed automated or five-speed handbook transmission.
We anticipate the brand new Factor to have a hybrid powertrain with no handbook transmission choice. Which hybrid system is the query. Honda announced last month that it plans to launch 15 fashions with its new hybrid powertrain by March 2030, a timeline that would embody the Factor.
We all know the automaker is already creating new 1.5- and a couple of.0-liter four-cylinder engines for future hybrid autos, one among which is able to doubtless energy the brand new Factor. We anticipate all-wheel drive can be non-obligatory, too.
New Honda Factor Rendering By Motor1
Photograph by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1
When Will It Debut?
The brand new Honda Factor is anticipated to enter manufacturing within the second quarter of 2029, which suggests we doubtless won’t see the SUV debut till someday in 2028. Honda may tease the automotive as an idea forward of an official reveal, which may occur in 2027.
Honda allegedly plans to construct the automobile in Ohio, the place it constructed the first-gen mannequin, and can use the positioning because the mannequin’s international manufacturing hub. The automaker expects to construct practically 100,000Elements per 12 months on the facility.
How A lot Will It Value?
We anticipate the brand new Factor to compete with the Ford Bronco Sport and different rugged compact SUVs. It should additionally, allegedly, slot between the HR-V and CR-V in Honda’s lineup, the model’s two least expensive fashions.
The usual hybrid powertrain will doubtless improve the worth tag, and we might not be shocked if the brand new Factor begins within the mid-$30,000 vary when it goes on sale, doubtless for the 2030 mannequin 12 months.
The 2011 Honda Factor LX with two-wheel drive began at $21,63. Adjusted for inflation, that will value $32,923 as we speak. For comparability, the bottom 2026 Bronco Sport has a beginning value of $33,840.
